Two artists from opposite ends of Europe – Francisco de Goya (1746 – 1828) and Edvard Munch (1863-1944) – lived different lives in two separate historical periods. What brings them together? The new exhibition, shown exclusively at the Munch Museum, takes as its starting point the idea that it was not until Munch’s lifetime that Goya began to receive international fame and was recognised as a forerunner of modernism.
Goya created fantastical, disturbing works which responded to the wars, social pressure and hypocrisy of his time. Long after his death, Munch’s generation of European artists were amazed and inspired by Goya’s inventive use of different media and techniques and his embrace of the darker, mysterious side of the human imagination. For them, Goya was a prophet of the new art, hailed as a forerunner of modernism.
Although it has proved difficult to confirm whether Munch himself was directly inspired by Goya’s art, they both clearly shared certain artistic interests. And as this exhibition shows, many of Munch’s friends and associates eagerly championed Goya as a forerunner of modernism because of his vibrant imagination and experimental spirit.
Focusing on the different ways in which they addressed themes relating to society, war, faith and superstition, Goya and Munch: Modern Prophecies uncovers fascinating parallels between the two artists. As well as a wide selection of famous and lesser-known drawings, prints and paintings by both artists, visitors will get a rare chance to view complete sets of Goya’s famous print series Disasters of War (Los Disparates) and The Caprices (Caprichos).
Despite living in different eras, the two artists often dealt with similar subject matters in their work, which still appears just as strikingly modern as it did around 1900. This exhibition includes works generously loaned from international institutions including the British Museum and National Gallery in London, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, Museo del Prado and Museo Lázaro Galdiano in Madrid, and the National Museum in Oslo.
Prepare for an exhibition which first highlights Goya’s importance for Munch and his artistic circle, then leads you into the powerful, modern visions of Goya and Munch.
DATE/TIME: Thursday, November 16 at 11:00 (for 11:15)
SIGN UP: To Inger Ræder by email or SMS as soon as possible and no later than Thursday, November 9.
PRICE: Entrance fee is NOK 160.- for non-members and should be
paid individually preferably online several days before the event at https://www.munchmuseet.no/kjop-billetter/inngangsbillett/vanlig/ in order to save time upon arrival to the museum. Also, members should book their entrance ahead of time at https://www.munchmuseet.no/medlem/
NOK 120.- for the guide should be paid preferably to International Forum’s bank account 1600 40 36631 or by VIPPS to 591747. Please state the event and your name in the transaction (in the KID-number box for bank payment and in the dialogue box for VIPPS) as soon as your registration has been confirmed.
PLACE: The Munch Museum, Edvard Munchs plass 1, 0194 Oslo
TRANSPORT: Closest stop by tram: Bjørvika. Tram 12 stops at
Dronningens gate (11-minute walk to Munch). Tram 13 stops at Bjørvika (6-minute walk). T-bane to Jernbanetorget (12-minute walk)
Maximum participants: 20 Please remember your membership card.
The event will be cancelled if less than 12 people sign up. Guest are welcome if space is available. Members have priority.
For last-minute cancellations, please call Inger Ræder. NB: Cancellations after the deadline and no-shows will be charged.
Inger Ræder